SWEDISH OBSERVATORY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INFORMATION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES WITH PRESTIGIOUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Sweden - May 8, 2023 - The Swedish Observatory for Human Rights Information (SOHRI) officially launches today, with a distinguished Board of Directors that includes human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists from around the world.
SOHRI is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and protect human rights through research, advocacy, and education. The organization's mission is to provide reliable and independent information on human rights violations around the world, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable communities.
“We are thrilled to officially launch SOHRI and to welcome such a distinguished group of individuals to our Board of Directors. Their expertise and experience will be invaluable in advancing our mission and promoting human rights worldwide.”
- Ned El-Attar, Executive Director, SOHRI
The board is composed of a diverse and accomplished group of individuals, each with their own unique perspective and expertise.
Alex Neve, Canadian human rights lawyer and advocate who served as Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada from 2000-2021. He has worked on a wide range of human rights issues including Indigenous rights, refugee protection, and counter-terrorism. His leadership and dedication to the cause have made him a respected figure in the field.
Dr Melissa Phillips, is a consultant and academic with almost 20 years' experience working with migrants and refugees in Australia and overseas. She is currently a Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University, Australia.
Iain Dace, British-Swedish citizen who serves as the chairman of the voluntary organization NGBG, which focuses on improving access to cultural resources, venues and networks for those without academic cultural backgrounds. He is also a well-known activist and community organizer in the Skåne region in Sweden, with interests in human rights, social justice, asylum and migration issues.
Kajsa Ekis Ekman, Swedish journalist, author and activist who has reported extensively on issues related to economic and gender justice. She is also the author of several books, including "Being and Being Bought: Prostitution, Surrogacy and the Split Self".
Gianluca Costantini, Italian artist and activist who uses his artwork to raise awareness about social and political issues. He has worked on numerous projects related to human rights.
Huwaida Arraf, Palestinian-American lawyer and human rights activist who co-founded the International Solidarity Movement and served as its chairperson from 2001-2003. She has worked on issues related to Palestinian rights, political prisoners, and freedom of movement.
Moataz El-Fegiery, Egyptian academic and human rights advocate who has reported on political and social issues in Egypt and the Middle East. His work has helped to shed light on human rights abuses and corruption, and has inspired others to take action and demand change.
Dina AbdelRahman, an Egyptian journalist, tv host, and artist. She worked for several Egyptian channels and was famous for presenting the morning talk show. She has worked on cases involving freedom of expression, and political rights. Her dedication to justice and equality has made her a respected figure in the media field.
Mark Levine, Professor of Middle Eastern history and political science who has written extensively on human rights, political activism, and social justice.
Pia Holmberg, is a Swedish occupational therapist with a strong personal interest in human rights issues, particularly regarding pharmaceutical industry greed. As a health activist, she participates in activities that confront the pharmaceutical industry over excessive medicine prices and deception about research and development costs.
Laura Cappon, an Italian journalist and author who has reported on human rights issues and social justice in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Her dedication to telling stories that might otherwise go untold has made her a vital contributor to the field of human rights journalism.
Each member of the Board brings a unique perspective and expertise to the organization, and is committed to advancing the cause of human rights around the world.
“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of individuals on our Board of Directors. Their leadership and guidance will be critical in achieving our goals and making a meaningful impact on human rights issues.”
- Ned El-Attar, Executive Director, SOHRI
SOHRI's official launch comes at a critical time, as human rights violations continue to occur around the world with impunity. The organization is committed to shining a light on these abuses, and to advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality.
